not understand my conduct. Chance brought me on
your road, and I saw several men attacking one; I defended the one, but
when this brave man--for whoever he may be, he is brave--when he
remained alone with you, and would have decided the victory by your
death, then I interfered to save you."

"You know me, then?" said Mayenne, with a scrutinizing glance.

"I had no need to know you, monsieur; you were a wounded man, that was
enough."

"Be frank; you knew me?"

"It is strange, monsieur, that you will not understand me. It seems to
me that it is equally ignoble to kill a defenseless man, as six men to
attack one."

"There may be reasons for all things."

Ernanton bowed, but did not reply.

"Did you not see," continued Mayenne, "that I fought sword to sword with
that man?"

"It is true."

"Besides, he is my most mortal enemy."

"I believe it, for he said the same thing of you."

"Do you think me dangerously wounded?"

"I have examined your wound, monsieur, and I think that, although it is
serious, you are in no danger of death. I believe the sword slipped
along the ribs, and did not penetrate the breast. Breathe, and I think
you will find no pain in the lungs."

"It is true; but my men?"

"Are dead, all but one."

"Are they left on the road?"

"Yes."

"Have they been searched?"

"The peasant whom you must have seen on opening your eyes, and who is
your host, searched them."

"What did he find?"

"Some money."

"Any papers?"

"I think not."

"Ah!" said Mayenne, with evident satisfaction. "But the living man;
where is he?"

"In the barn, close by."

"Bring him to me, monsieur; and if you are a man of honor, promise me
to ask him no questions."

"I am not curious, monsieur; and I wish to know no more of this affair
than I know already."

The duke looked at him uneasily.

"Monsieur," said Ernanton, "will you charge some one else with the
commission you have just given me?"

"I was wrong, monsieur, I acknowledge it; have the kindness to render me
the service I ask of you."

Five minutes after, the soldier entered the stable. He uttered a cry on
seeing the duke; but he put his finger on his lip, and the man was
silent.

"Monsieur," said Mayenne to Ernanton, "my gratitude to you will be
eternal; and, doubtless, some day we shall meet under more favorable
circumstances. May I ask to whom I have the honor of speaking?"

"I am the Vicomte Ernanton de Carmainges, monsieur."

"You were